- Slow burn to “I would burn the world for her”
- Slice of life cosy read

If you like the vibe of A Court of Frost and Starlight, the first 2/3 of the book gave me a similar feel. I thoroughly enjoyed how thought out the trades with death were, and the questions it explored of what these deals would require if it were possible; how far is too far? And mortality.
The ONLY thing, if anything, was that the “backstory” was a bit rushed; you’re told Emperor Yamueto is fearsome and commits atrocities, but the beginning happens so fast that you don’t really build the emotional connection that is required to drive home he’s a monster.
This was only really minor though, I would definitely re read, the last 100 pages absolutely gripped me.

Slightly spicy New Adult romantasy
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Given that death is so prominent in the title, please be prepared to see your new favourite characters snuffed out. Whether or not they’ll come back, well, that’s the point of the book. In this standalone New Adult romantasy, we follow Khana as she tries to navigate the poisonous court of the Immortal Emperor and is eventually forced to escape with only the clothes on her back, and the knowledge of the Emperor’s secret to immortality. When she finds refuge, her powers are all that stands between safety and exile, and when the Emperor discovers that she’s survived her escape, the stakes are ratcheted up exponentially. Will Khana and her new unwilling allies be able to defeat the Immortal Emperor and his countless hordes of made monsters? Or will Khana the witch be able to trade with death for victory?

Not a perfect book by any means, but plenty good. Khana is a brilliant creation and her allies are formed into a team in time-honoured ‘throw them in the deep end’ style. The magic at the heart of the book is really driven by the trade with death, and the denouement is fresh and deserved. The romance, which is only a little spicy, is really well considered, and explores PTSD in a respectful but hopeful way. But don’t let these serious themes put you off as the plotting, while a little flabby in the middle, sets up a distinctly rousing third act.

Four and a half stars.

C.M. Alongi’s The Witch Who Trades with Death is a poignant standalone fantasy that masterfully intertwines themes of trauma, resilience, and the transformative power of found family. Set against a tundra-inspired backdrop, the novel follows Khana, a young witch who escapes the clutches of the immortal Emperor Yamueto by forging a perilous pact with Death. Her journey from subjugation to self-discovery is both heart-wrenching and empowering.  

The magic system is notably inventive, allowing witches to trade memories or emotions with Death in exchange for healing or power. Khana’s evolution and emotional and physical journey is central to the story. Her relationships highlight the novel’s emphasis on healing and the strength found in communal bonds. While the narrative delves into heavy themes such as abuse, racism, and PTSD, the author handles these topics with sensitivity - The pacing is focused on character development and emotional depth and the plot is quite slow:. some readers might find the initial chapters difficult, but the emotional payoff in the latter sections is well worth the investment. 

In conclusion, The Witch Who Trades with Death is a beautifully crafted tale that balances dark themes, a slow put interesting plot and lot of remarkable moments, all in one standalone books perfect for those who don't love series.

This was an amazing standalone fantasy that I enjoyed.
This had a few of my favourite tropes of found family and making deals with death.
There was a bit of spice in this however this focussed more on the FMC and built her character.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

The Witch who trades with Death first got my attention due to the author's presence on tik tok and then kept my attention through its wonderfully paced plot. Fans of darker themes in their fantasy looking for a story unafraid to look abuse, identity, and power in the eye will be in for a good time with this stand alone novel .

-excellent pacing
-diverse representation across the board
-natural dialogue
-dynamic and relatable character interactions.

*content warning for violence and sexual/sensual trauma

Khana is just one concubine witch among many in the service of the Immortal Emperor. She struggles to maintain the tiniest bit of control in her life through little rebellions - hiding in the library and using smuggled birth control to keep from bearing a child. When she figures out how to make a deal with Death, she desperately flees across the mountains to a town of warriors and refugees. As she tries to survive her trauma and hide who she is, she slowly makes friends. But when she instinctually saves a man with her magic, the emperor turns his eyes on her new home, setting off a war that will call on the courage and strength she didn't think she had. A beautiful story of found family, healing, and surviving abuse, this fantasy is a must read. Alongi writes beautifully and authentically, weaving a novel you won't want to put down and bringing to life a cast of misfit characters you'll root for.

DNF @20%

This was boring and I didn't really like the writing. There wasn't much of a plot and, what little plot was there, I didn't care about. It didn't seem like it was going anywhere, or at least anywhere I would have liked.

This is one of those dark stories without much humor or hope to it. Khana is hated or loathed by most people around here because she is a witch, but also because her powers allow her to drain life from one being and imbue it into another which you must admit is creepy. When she heals someone she makes a trade with death which sacrefices a small piece of herself and her emperor and superiors exploit these powers a lot so she’s pretty burned out even at a young age. She kills a member of the court and escapes but continues to be stigmatized against most often due to her powers. This is a book about finding and accepting yourself in dark and harsh times when the world is mostly against you and the story is intense and profound.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I basically read it in one sitting, and I found it so hard to put down! This was a true rollercoaster, from the first page to the last. I loved the world building, the way the characters grew over the coarse of the book, and the representation along the way. The set-up of the world felt fleshed out and super developed, with the side-characters just as developed as the main FMC. I also loved and really appreciated how the author addressed trauma and intimacy, and the fact that there was aspec, bi and gender diversity in the book and just considered a part of the world. My favorite take-away from this is live too long, give away too much of yourself in the name of power, and you become a shell of a human and that really isn't worth much in the end.

Notes:
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

It was a good book that was somewhat fast-paced. I do wish it had more of a romance plot, rather than it being a sub-plot, but it did satisfy. I loved how unique the witches were, and how their power worked.

– Romanctic sub-plot
– Found family
– Amazing side characters! Would not spare a single one of them
– Trauma healing throughout the book

While it took me a little while to get into the book, due to the many new terms and world building, it was definitely worth sticking to since the book had a perfect ending that made me so happy to read!

This was an amazing and thoroughly entertaining read, full of gothic and fantasy elements, it’s atmospheric and so magical. I highly and wholeheartedly recommend

I have put off writing this review for too long because in all honesty I just didn't know what to say about The Witch who Trades with Death.
It was okay. There was nothing about I particularly disliked but there was nothing I really liked about it either. Just straight middle of the road, and to me quite forgettable.

I think there are people who will love this novel I am just sadly not one of them.

a lovely read that despite my initial reservations when I saw the triggers masterfully deals with how trauma manifests in different people, how anyone can be a victim of abuse and depicts the delicate process of healing from it while making a point of showing how said process is different for everyone. this book will be going on my reread list.

This book is like a warm hug wrapped in political intrigue and sprinkled with a bit of romantic slow burn—it’s one of the sweetest found-family fantasies I’ve read in ages! It totally nails that cozy fantasy vibe but still brings the epic stakes, magical mayhem, and swoony moments. And the main male character? Walking green flag. No notes.

We follow Khana, a witch who escapes her life as a concubine under the thumb of the immortal (and totally tyrannical) Emperor Yamueto—who, by the way, is power-hungry and just a tad obsessed with world domination. She breaks free, chasing love, freedom, and a ragtag family of her own. But freedom always comes with a cost… and some heartbreaking choices.

The magic system is chef’s kiss—super creative and unlike anything I’ve read before. C.M. Alongi does such a cool job of showing off Khana’s and the other witches’ powers, and the way they actually use their magic is so well thought out.

The characters? Delightful. I felt like I was making new friends as I read—each one felt real and easy to connect with, which made the whole found-family angle even sweeter. The world itself is big and detailed—maybe a little tricky to get your bearings at first—but it’s worth it. There’s so much richness in the cultures, landscapes, and even food (yum), and the multicultural cast of characters adds even more heart and depth.

Khana is a total powerhouse—relatable, layered, and just plain cool. And Sava, her love interest? Literal goals. Khana is one lucky witch.

If you’re into fantasy with smart political plots, epic action scenes, heartwarming romance, a unique magical twist, and some genuinely funny moments, this one’s for you. Heads up: it does touch on grief and death in a very moving way—beautiful, but potentially heavy if you’re feeling tender. Personally, I think it would’ve been a comforting read during a tough time.

Bottom line: 10/10 would join this magical squad.

Trigger warnings for The Witch Who Trades With Death include: sexual assault, domestic violence, explicit war scenes, explicit scenes of death (violent & peaceful), racism & xenophobia, and explicit consensual sex.
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“How did we get from me teasing you about your obvious crush to you both making me feel feelings?"
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I am loving the storytelling. I loved everything about this novel. It made me laugh. It made me smile. It made me cry. Several times.
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"You don’t want to conquer this kingdom – it gets so cold your tiny balls would freeze off!”
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I really liked the relationship between Haz and Khana. I always enjoy books where the main relationship isn't romance. I love books where romance and relationships aren't the focus. There aren't nearly enough of them for my liking. I also really enjoyed the relationship between Khana and Sava. The way Sava always gave Khana space and time, didn't push her and let Khana take the lead with everything.
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I also thought that the representation of the traumas that various characters went through was done really well. I fell in love with these characters and I'll be sad to leave them behind now.
•
Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an ARC copy of this book.

First and foremost, thank you to the publishers for providing an e-ARC of the book. This story was truly wonderful in its inventiveness. I especially enjoyed the magic system the author created—it felt fresh, well thought-out, and added real depth to the world.

What really drew me in was the unique blend of gothic and fantasy elements—it captivated me from the start and didn’t let go! The contrast between the eerie atmosphere and the rich magical world was compelling and immersive.

I can’t wait to see what the author does next—it promises to be just as enchanting.

The Witch Who Trades With Death is a fast paced, emotionally charged tale, set in a world ruled by a merciless King bent on total domination. This is not just a story of conquest though—it’s one of transformation, and reclaiming power. We follow Khana, a witch and concubine of the King, who escapes and flees the realm, with the intention of getting as far from the King’s clutches as she can.

But fate has other plans. Khana stumbles into something she never expected—a life worth fighting for. With the knowledge she has from life in the palace, she chooses to fight for the sanctuary she now calls home. Khana’s strength blew me away as the story progresses. It doesn’t come from being fearless, it comes from surviving over and over, and choosing to stand when everything in her screams to run.

Khana’s witchcraft was a super unique aspect which I really enjoyed. It feels ancient and dangerous, a weapon forged from pain and memory. Every spell has a personal cost, every whisper of power carries a weight and the way she chooses to use her magic (and when) shapes the destiny of everyone she holds dear.

The MMC, Sava is just the sweetest! His patience, kindness and compassion had me swooning, I love seeing the gentler side of the MMC’s (forever a cinnamon roll fan!) The romance between him and Khana simmers away, tender and cautious, it’s like a tentative candle burning in a world hell bent on snuffing it out.

The found family was such a beautiful part of this story and I fell in love with Frogs 9—Khana’s chaotic, loyal crew. They are all broken in their own way, but together they find something which resembles hope, in its most raw, messy, and real form. I was obsessed with them all, so don’t mind me, just sitting on my couch, waving a Frogs 9 flag 🤣.

There’s court politics, military strategy, brutal skirmishes—and beneath it all, the constant threat of a tyrant whose shadow never lifts. The battles, especially toward the end, are intense and cinematic, with blood and heartbreak-I could not put this book down towards the end.

Overall, this is a powerful story of healing, second chances and hope. As a standalone novel, everything has an extra layer of suspense and urgency attached to it. I loved the dramatic conflict throughout and the premise of a dark, yet ultimately hopeful story is one I can always get behind!

Thank you so much Angry Robot and C. M. Alongi for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a little late in writing this ARC review, but better late than never. Especially with how good this novel is. @c.m.alongi did such an amazing job with this novel. The world is rich with magic, rules for the magic, and great characters. You can't help falling in love with the characters. I stayed up later than usual just to finish this story. The diversity within the book is great. This was my first novel from the author but I've been following them on tiktok for a while

Unfortunately this was a DNF for me around 20%, I just had a hard time getting into the story and getting invested in Khana's journey. For folks that may need the warning, there is explicit rape in the beginning of the book, and that just made it tough for me to hang in there.

Thank you to Angry Robot and to NetGalley for the advanced copy.